Houston is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, with a variety of things to do throughout the entire year, including December. During the month of December in Houston, you can take advantage of the many activities that are available in the nation's fourth-largest city in terms of population.
You can go ice skating in Discovery Green Park during the entire month of December. Ice skating at the park has become a tradition for some people during the holiday season. Each year, starting on Thanksgiving Day and ending in mid-January on Martin L. King, Jr., Day, Kinder Lake in the park is transformed into an ice-skating rink. The skating surface measures 7,200 square-feet. The ice-skating rink is open Monday through Friday in 2010. You can bring your own skates, or rent a pair at the rink. You will be charged an admission price to skate at the park, but it's free to enter the remainder of the facility.
Discovery Green Park
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
713-400-7336
discoverygreen.com
Each year, the Houston Ballet performs "The Nutcracker," the popular holiday season ballet, during the month of December. The Houston show features scenery and costumes by Desmond Heeley, a Tony Award-winning designer. Another award winner in the theater circuit, Ben Stevenson, choreographed the Houston Ballet's "The Nutcracker." Stevenson received three gold medals in choreography in 1972, 1982 and 1986 at the International Ballet Competitions. Stevenson is a former artistic director of the Houston Ballet, serving in the position from 1976 to 2003. According to the Houston Ballet website, the production has received accolades by local daily newspaper The Houston Chronicle, which considers the Houston Ballet's "The Nutcracker" a crown jewel in holiday entertainment for the area.
Houston Ballet
Wortham Theater Center
501 Texas Ave.
Houston, TX 77019
713-227-2787
houstonballet.org
Across the Houston area, neighborhoods are transformed into winter wonderlands during the month of December. According to a website that tracks Christmas light displays in the Houston area, at least 20 different subdivisions get in the holiday spirit with elaborate decorations. Some of the neighborhoods include Prestonwood Forest, Woodland Heights and Linnfield. The Christmas light displays include free tours, while others charge an admission.
Houston Christmas Lights
www.houstonchristmaslights.org
281-679-5466
